Dortmund's Nmecha defends Christian goal celebration gesture

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 10 Nov, 11:28 · Archive

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha has denied that his goal celebrations promote intolerance or discrimination.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha has responded to criticism of his goal celebration gesture by saying it has been misunderstood and is not intended to promote "intolerance, discrimination, or hate in any form." The 'Crowns down' celebration involves pretending to remove a crown from someone's head and placing it at Jesus' feet. It is linked to 'The King's Return' campaign, which the German public broadcaster ARD has connected to Ballers in God (BIG), an evangelical network of professional footballers founded in 2015.

Nmecha, a devout Christian, was criticised by Dortmund's official supporters' group after using the celebration during a match against Elversberg, in which he scored twice. The supporters' group expressed concern that the campaign "gives us cause to reassess the situation", stating their issue is not with Nmecha's faith but with public support for what they describe as a network that propagates exclusionary views on sexual orientation and gender identity.

In a social media post, Nmecha wrote: "My celebration is not intended to promote myself or any organisation. Rather, it is about laying my 'crown' before the soon coming King and pointing to Jesus, my hope and strength." He added: "As Christians, our message is one of love and respect for everyone." Dortmund said it understood the fans' concerns and would speak to Nmecha about the matter.

How it is being reported

• Dortmund fans' group criticises Nmecha celebrationA Christian group set up for footballers says it wants to "demonstrate love and respect towards everyone" following criticism from fans.BBC Sport · 10 Nov, 12:48
• Borussia Dortmund's Felix Nmecha and the question of religionFelix Nmecha’s “Crowns down” celebration has drawn criticism from a Borussia Dortmund fan club, reopening debate over faith, inclusion and religious messaging in football.DW News · 10 Nov, 11:12
• Felix Nmecha denies goal celebrations promote ‘intolerance, discrimination and hate’Celebrations linked to ultra-conservative Christian group ‘Our message is of love’ Nmecha says in reply to criticism Borussia Dortmund and Germany midfielder Felix Nmecha has responded to criticism of goal celebrations linked to an evangelical network by saying they’ve been misunderstood and are not meant to promote “intolerance, discrimination, or hate in any form.” Nmecha, a devout Christian, was criticised by the Dortmund official supporters’ group at the weekend for celebrating goals with a gesture signifying the “The King’s Return” campaign linked to Ballers in God (BIG), a network of…Guardian Football · 10 Nov, 10:06

In this story: Felix Nmecha · Borussia Dortmund · Ballers in God · Germany

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